SurveysAug 29, 2022
Here’s the Latest Government Data on Jewelry SalesSurveysOct 05, 2022
U.S. Jewelry, Watch Sales Slow in August
Plus, what economists are saying about consumer spending and a possible recession.
A pair of one-of-a-kind 18-karat rose gold earrings set with rubellite tourmalines, pink sapphires and diamonds by Sevun (price available upon request). U.S. watch and jewelry sales were up only 4 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
New York—U.S. watch and jewelry sales growth slowed year-over-year in August, government data shows, with numbers still paling in comparison to the highs of last year.
Sales in the category in August were up 4 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Jewelry sales alone increased 4 percent year-over-year while watch sales also rose up 4 percent.
In July, sales in the watch and jewelry category rose 6 percent year-over-year, as per revised BEA data, with jewelry sales increasing 6 percent and watch sales up 7 percent.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to continue to grow but will likely not match the level reached last year.
In 2021, dubbed “the year of jewelry” by industry analyst Edahn Golan, sales in the category reached an estimated $106.01 billion, a 46 percent increase year-over-year, according to revised BEA data.
This year, as of September, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $112.34 billion, a 6 percent year-over-year increase.
Jewelry and watch sales and the overall economy are on a similar trajectory of slowing growth as consumers battle inflation amid geopolitical unrest.
The Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 8 percent year-over-year in August and 0.1 percent month-over-month.
The rising cost of shelter and food offset the effect of falling gas prices, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In a statement about September’s CPI, President Joe Biden said: “It will take more time and resolve to bring inflation down, which is why we passed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower the cost of healthcare, prescription drugs and energy.”
Related stories will be right here …
Sales in the category in August were up 4 percent year-over-year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Jewelry sales alone increased 4 percent year-over-year while watch sales also rose up 4 percent.
In July, sales in the watch and jewelry category rose 6 percent year-over-year, as per revised BEA data, with jewelry sales increasing 6 percent and watch sales up 7 percent.
Watch and jewelry sales for the full year are expected to continue to grow but will likely not match the level reached last year.
In 2021, dubbed “the year of jewelry” by industry analyst Edahn Golan, sales in the category reached an estimated $106.01 billion, a 46 percent increase year-over-year, according to revised BEA data.
This year, as of September, full-year watch and jewelry sales are expected to reach an estimated $112.34 billion, a 6 percent year-over-year increase.
Jewelry and watch sales and the overall economy are on a similar trajectory of slowing growth as consumers battle inflation amid geopolitical unrest.
The Consumer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices over time consumers will pay for a basket of goods and services, rose 8 percent year-over-year in August and 0.1 percent month-over-month.
The rising cost of shelter and food offset the effect of falling gas prices, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In a statement about September’s CPI, President Joe Biden said: “It will take more time and resolve to bring inflation down, which is why we passed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower the cost of healthcare, prescription drugs and energy.”
In the National Retail Federation’s October review, Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz gave an overview of the current economic situation, highlighting the headwinds and weighing the possibility of a recession.
“The economic situation in the United States is unsettling,” said Kleinhenz. “Consumer confidence is down, consumer spending’s rate of growth has slowed, and economists and consumers alike are worried about the possibility of a recession, all reflecting persistently high inflation and rising interest rates.”
While the spending growth rate has slowed, there is still growth.
Consumer spending was better than expected in August with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting overall retail sales growth of 0.3 percent month-over-month and 9 percent year-over-year.
“Year-over-year increases in retail sales have been mostly in the upper single digits since spring, not as dramatic as the double-digit numbers seen most of last year into early 2022 but still healthy,” he said.
The battle against inflation is a tricky one. Higher prices impact consumer confidence, but the Federal Reserve’s main tool in fighting inflation is raising the interest rate, which is another blow to consumer confidence.
“Consumers have become cautious – but they have not stopped spending,” Kleinhenz said. “Growth is not as high as last year, but households continue to spend each month as more jobs, wage growth and savings backstop their finances and help them confront higher prices.”
As for a recession, the possibility is seeming more likely, he said. Gross domestic product has declined for two consecutive quarters, which does typically, though not by the official definition, indicate a recession.
The Blue Chip Economic Indicators panel of business economists, which includes Kleinhenz, does predict GDP growth ahead in the third and fourth quarters of the year.
However, in a September survey, fewer economists on the panel believe the Federal Reserve can rein in inflation without causing a recession (38 percent this month versus 51 percent in August), but 95 percent believe a recession would likely be mild.
Around 42 percent of the panel said they expect a recession this year while 54 percent said it would begin in 2023.
More on Surveys
The Latest
MajorsJul 26, 2024
Diamonds Direct Opens Store in AtlantaIt’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
TrendsJul 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Double Loop’ EarringsCommemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
EditorsJul 26, 2024
Out & About: A Dispatch from the Nation’s Smallest StateEditor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
Brought to you by
The End of an Era? Lab-Grown Diamonds' Journey Towards Price StabilityAs the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Supplier BulletinJul 25, 2024
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionSponsored by Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJul 25, 2024
Amazon, BBB Sue Website Allegedly Peddling Fake Reviews They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
SourcingJul 25, 2024
De Beers’ H1 Revenue Falls 21% in ‘Weak’ MarketLab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionGIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
IndependentsJul 25, 2024
Store Designer Ruth Mellergaard DiesA longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
FinancialsJul 25, 2024
Boucheron, Pomellato Post Double-Digit Growth in Q2 The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
MajorsJul 25, 2024
Shane Co. Partners With Kids In Need Foundation to Donate 7,200 BackpacksThe fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
FinancialsJul 24, 2024
LVMH’s First-Half Jewelry, Watch Sales Dip 5%Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
See Chaumet’s Paris Olympic Medals Inspired by its High JewelryThe Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Acquires Pawnbroker Insurance ProviderUnion Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
MajorsJul 24, 2024
Ben Bridge Announces 2024 Lonia Tate Scholarship WinnerLos Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
ColumnistsJul 23, 2024
Peter Smith: The Case for Optimism in Sales In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
SourcingJul 23, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 15% in Q2The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
IndependentsJul 23, 2024
Long’s Jewelers Is Giving Away a Luxury Cape Cod VacationThe giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
CollectionsJul 23, 2024
Guzema Debuts ‘Flower Power’ CampaignThe ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
Policies & IssuesJul 23, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its 2024 Entrepreneurship Grant WinnersThe grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
CrimeJul 22, 2024
Florida Jeweler Shot, Killed Following Argument With CustomerGhazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2024
JVC’s Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez Joins RJCThe organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
SourcingJul 22, 2024
AWDC Names Karen Rentmeesters as CEORentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
Longtime D.C. Jeweler Brian Mann Dies at 70Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
IndependentsJul 19, 2024
The 1916 Company Opens New Tudor BoutiqueThe 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
CollectionsJul 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Messika’s ‘So Move Max’ NecklaceDance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
WatchesJul 18, 2024
TAG Heuer, Hublot Will Have New CEOs Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.
